Jones Plan: To Be Top Aaa-5 Tiger

September 4, 1987|By Cheryl Gordon of The Sentinel Staff

Jones High School isn't planning on sitting back and letting Cocoa dominate the district as predicted this season.

''There's nothing you can do about the scheduling,'' Jones Coach Ernest Swift said. ''My only real regret about our schedule is we aren't playing Cocoa at the T-Bowl Florida Citrus Bowl-Orlando. That's going to be the game that makes or breaks the season.''

Both Class AAA, District 5 teams come back bigger and much better this season. The showdown is scheduled for Oct. 2 at Cocoa's McLarty Stadium.

Jones, with 17 lettermen returning, eight of whom are seniors, will be platooning players all season.

''Our numbers have increased so much we can return to the platoon system,'' said Swift. ''That's going to wear the other teams down.''

The Jones Tigers will also be running a multiple offense and a flexible defense to keep the opposition on its toes this season. With maturity in their backfield and one of the better punting games going, Swift is hoping field position will favor them.

''Last year we were young,'' Swift said. ''We should have been at least .500. But that's hindsight.''

Jones finished 4-6 last year.

Swift has decided to move senior Eric Atkins (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) from the starting quarterback role into a more versatile capacity as a running back and defensive back.

''He's one of our best athletes so we'll take advantage of that and play him both ways,'' Swift said. ''We decided to move him out of the quarterback spot because he'll be more valuable to us in other positions. He's going to make the offense and defense tick for us.''

Junior Harold Woods (5-10, 145) moves into the starting quarterback position. Senior fullback Dwayne Moore (6-0, 215) will add punch to the Tigers' ground game and he will also handle the punting duties. Senior Elijah Burton (5-9, 149) will be a player to watch on kick returns and as a defensive back. Halfback twins James and Jesse Morris will add depth in the backfield.

''We've had a very positive attitude going into this season,'' Swift said. ''We've been stressing teammwork during spring practices.''

Teamwork and platoon work. Swift said its already working.

The Tigers open their season with a home game against Evans on Friday, Sept. 11. They play three games at home before traveling to Cocoa.